What is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)? Is it right for your child?

Silver Diamine Fluoride is an FDA approved, noninvasive, antibiotic liquid applied to arrest lesions and caries, prevent tooth decay and bacteria from spreading to other teeth and to painlessly treat areas where extensive dental treatment might be necessary in the future. It is an excellent alternative to a routine fillings and general anesthesia.

Who is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) ideal for?

SDF is ideal for patients who are too young to receive dental treatment under general anesthesia, uncooperative in the dental chair, special needs patients, and/or patients who have small/few caries lesions and is the use of general anesthesia for their treatment is not recommended.

How does Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) work?

Silver and Fluoride are the two main components in Silver Diamine Fluoride, both act as important ingredients in the arrest and prevention of tooth decay. Silver acts as the antimicrobial agent the strengthens the protective layer of the teeth, called Dentin. Fluoride is an active ingredient that stops tooth decay from spreading to other teeth. There are numerous advantages to being treated with SDF but one small disadvantage is that any decayed areas will stain black, this means that the silver in the Silver Diamine Fluoride is working to kill the bacteria within the decayed areas. Stained teeth can be fixed with either fillings or crowns but there is also a chance of discoloration when there is SDF still working within the effected tooth beneath the fillings or the crowns. We recommend SDF because we know that the pros greatly outweigh the cons and it is a great alternative for many patients.

How is SDF applied?

During your child’s visit, your dentist will make sure the surface of their tooth is completely dry before application, ensuring that the SDF will absorb to the affected areas. SDF is then applied to the affected teeth with a micro brush and the solution can soak into the tooth for 60 seconds. Once the tooth has been treated, we make sure we answer any questions parents might have post treatment, as well as schedule a follow up appointment two weeks after first visit for a one-time reapplication of Silver Diamine Fluoride.

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?:

Silver Diamine Fluoride is an FDA approved, noninvasive, antibiotic liquid applied to arrest lesions and caries, prevent tooth decay and bacteria from spreading to other teeth and to painlessly treat areas where extensive dental treatment might be necessary in the future. It is an excellent alternative to a routine fillings and general anesthesia.

Who is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) ideal for?

SDF is ideal for patients who are too young to receive dental treatment under general anesthesia, uncooperative in the dental chair, special needs patients, and/or patients who have small/few caries lesions and is the use of general anesthesia for their treatment is not recommended.

How does Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) work?

Silver and Fluoride are the two main components in Silver Diamine Fluoride, both act as important ingredients in the arrest and prevention of tooth decay. Silver acts as the antimicrobial agent the strengthens the protective layer of the teeth, called Dentin. Fluoride is an active ingredient that stops tooth decay from spreading to other teeth. There are numerous advantages to being treated with SDF but one small disadvantage is that any decayed areas will stain black, this means that the silver in the Silver Diamine Fluoride is working to kill the bacteria within the decayed areas. Stained teeth can be fixed with either fillings or crowns but there is also a chance of discoloration when there is SDF still working within the effected tooth beneath the fillings or the crowns. We recommend SDF because we know that the pros greatly outweigh the cons and it is a great alternative for many patients.

How is SDF applied?

During your child’s visit, your dentist will make sure the surface of their tooth is completely dry before application, ensuring that the SDF will absorb to the affected areas. SDF is then applied to the affected teeth with a micro brush and the solution can soak into the tooth for 60 seconds. Once the tooth has been treated, we make sure we answer any questions parents might have post treatment, as well as schedule a follow up appointment two weeks after first visit for a one-time reapplication of Silver Diamine Fluoride.